MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Super Liga hopes to stage a bigger, better season next year following its successful inaugural staging, a two-conference women’s event swept by TMS-Army. It also held the first-ever men’s league ruled by PLDT-MyDSL.
Plans are afoot for two teams to join both the women’s and men’s divisions next year, according to PSL president Ramon Suzara.
“We are looking forward to having eight women’s teams and six men’s squads next year,†said Suzara, who this early is in talks with interested prospective team owners for next season’s All-Filipino opening conference starting March 29.
This news poses a big challenge for the TMS-Army Lady Troopers, which swept the two-conference season crowns in the women’s division, and men’s winner the PLDT-MyDSL Speed Boosters in defending their respective titles.
The league will also introduce modifications in competition format. Each team will also be allowed to protect nine players while the remaining five will be drafted.
He explained that current team owners have agreed that each squad will have 10 protected players while four others in their current rosters will be sent in to a four-round drafting procedure.
“We are also waiting for incoming players especially those graduating from UAAP and NCAA and from those outside Metro Manila and from the provinces,†Suzara added. “We look forward to recruiting more improved, well trained and skillful young players who want to play for Super Liga after college.â€
The import-laden Grand Prix is scheduled to start July next year.
The league is also studying the best locations to hold competitions to accommodate the big number of fans and supporters.
Broadcasts of games will again be partnered with Solar Sports on cable and TV5 on free TV.